Joanne Biszak

I am a Masterton kid, born and bred. After working in Wellington I left the building industry to go on the big OE (overseas experience) for a year, but actually returning some twelve years later with a Hungarian husband. We have three children, a girl and two boys.

While my parents still live in Masterton, my decendents hail from Poland, (Siemonek) Scotland, (McCrae) England (Smith) and of course Christchurch area of New Zealand (Keats and King). My grandfathers were both one of 12 children and my parents the youngest of six so as my husband found we can actually travel from one end of New Zealand to the other staying with the relatives (if we so wished) and family occasions are many and varied.

I love my job which is assisting people with any disability to participate in education, sport and social organizations and/or voluntary and paid employment. In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors (especially the vegetable garden), home renovations, sewing and spending time with family and friends. I am currently doing some study, and as well as helping out at schools, I am also involved with some community groups and committees.

Kia ora koutou katoa

My name is Tracey Towns and it has been my privilege to work at Supporting Families as Manager since 2007. I am Wairarapa born and bred and my whanau come from England and Bermuda and travelled to Aotearoa in the mid 1800's. I have two sons who whakapapa to Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Psychology, a background in management and my interest in mental health stems from a family member who developed a major mental illness. I believe families and whanau are best placed to identify their own goals and sometimes just need some support to get there. I also believe we need to develop and maintain quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of those who use them.

My name is Bonny Neems-McCormick, I am married with two children aged 15 and 10. I am Wairarapa born and bred. I have travelled and lived overseas and also lived in many parts of New Zealand but have come home to Masterton to raise my family.

I first became involved here at Supporting Families as a Like Minds Like Mine presenter, sharing my journey to wellness. A position came available here as a Receptionist / Administrator I applied and was offered the job, I started my new role in October 2009.

I am also the Volunteer Coordinator which is very rewarding. Our volunteer programme supports you to develop confidence, personal development and also offers a variety of learning opportunities. I have met a lot of people and feel privileged that they have shared part of their lives with me. We have a great range of resources which you are welcome to borrow. So next time you are passing call in.

Leigh Warburton

Kia ora my name is Leigh Warburton.

And I am a proud Masterton Gal. It is so rewarding to part of the team at Supporting Families.
I am the Volunteer Support at Supporting Families and it's the most rewarding part of my job. Our volunteer programme supports people to gain confidence, develop within themselves, and helps them toward future employment. In the many years I've worked here I have met many beautiful people, and a priority of mine is to help them to move forward. My passion lies within mental health. I have completed two certificates one in Client centered counseling and the other in practice centered counseling at the Central Institute Of Technology.

I have two beautiful boys, Nik and Shane and a treasured granddaughter Kingston. I'm a good listener, so any time you feel the need for a chat regarding mental health issues or want some information don't hesitate to call in to our Resource Centre on 323 Queen Street Masterton.

Like Minds, Like Mine Coordinator Profile.

Kia ora koutou katoa,

While not Wairarapa born and bred, I have chosen to live in the Wairarapa for the last 21 years. I love living in the Wairarapa and think of it as home. My husband Bruce is Wairarapa born and bred with whakapapa connections to Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Porou. We have a combined whanau of 8 children, 4 of them being born here and ranging in ages from 14 to 40. Our children are scattered around Aotearoa with the oldest living in Adelaide. We love spending time with our whanau and our 6 mokopuna.

The most important things in life for me is my whanau and extended whanau, my own wellbeing and theirs and those around them.

Since starting my role in April 2009 I have thrived with the new challenges and learning presented. I have a background working for our community, holding previous roles such as "Rise Above it, Violence Free Coordinator", Rangtahi/Youth Health Promoter and Womens Refuge Non-Maori Coordinator. As Like Minds, Like Mine Coordinator I feel that all my life experiences have steered me towards this role. If you would like to know more, please feel free to pop into meet me at Supporting Families Wairarapa.

Kia tau te Rangimarie - Peace be with you, Corrinne

Kia ora!

Kia ora, my name is Jill Renata. I moved with my whanau to Masterton in 2005 from Central Hawkes Bay. I am the Family/Whanau Support Worker. My role is to provide support, advocacy and education for individuals /families who have someone in their family with mental health issues.